About Popular Music BA (hons) in University of Liverpool

In addition to practical areas, this programme focuses on developing an in-depth and critical historical understanding of popular music repertoires, cultures, and practices. We have a particular specialism in this area, having established the Institute of Popular Music (IPM), the world’s first specialist centre for the study of popular music, in 1988.

Some of the modules are practical, concerned with musical performance, song-writing, or creative music technology, although none of these are compulsory. To support these practical elements, we recently undertook a major refurbishment and expansion of our facilities.

Other modules focus on popular music history topics or the music industry, and there are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and videogames), and vocational options. Throughout, you will learn to write about popular music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint.

Programme in detail

The nature of the programme varies according to your module choices. In Year One, core modules will take a detailed look at the nature of the popular music industries, and a critical exploration of 20th century popular music history, not only going through key musical milestones but also exploring their social contexts and the long-term cultural implications.

In Years Two and Three you will focus in more depth on fewer selected topics, either concentrating solely on Popular Music modules or retaining the option to pursue one or two modules in other areas. Specialist topics are studied alongside advanced level performance and music technology modules. In Year Three there is a particular emphasis on specialism and an extended or independent project (such as a research project, a music technology project, or an extended performance recital).

Career prospects

Studying Music opens up many career opportunities. As well as jobs in music (from performance, composition, and production, through to teaching, music therapy and community arts), employers in many sectors are increasingly seeking arts and humanities graduates for their transferable skills. As a music student you will achieve creative flair and imagination, confidence in expressing yourself, an openness to new ideas, a capacity for hard work and an ability to analyse data. You will learn the value of working with others towards a shared, finished product and a whole range of flexible, professional skills.

According to the latest available data, 97.0% of our UK first-degree graduates were in work and/or study 6 months after graduating (DLHE 2016/17).

Recent employers

Companies employing our graduates in recent years include:

• Aldeburgh Music
• BBC Cardiff
• Celebrity Cruises
• The Globe Theatre
• Liverpool Biennial Festival of Contemporary Arts
• Manchester Orchestra
• Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
• Promotions companies – ‘Everisland’ and ‘Fiesta Bombarda’
• Republic Media
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
• Wirral Academy of Performing Arts.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Successful completion of examinations at standard X and XII (Higher Secondary School Certificate) with minimum marks of approximately 70 to 85%, according to the course and exam board.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: A  minimum of IELTS band 6.0–7.0, with no component below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: 78-88 overall with 19-Listening, Writing, Reading, 21-Speaking.
• PTE:  55-62 with minimum score of 51 in any component

University of Liverpool Highlights

University of Liverpool Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The estimated fee and cost of living per year for international students is tabulated below: